scholarly journals SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT IN OLD AGE: IMPACTS OF AGING UNDER INTERPERSONAL, MORAL, AND POLITICAL CONTEXTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S785-S785
Author(s):  
Minjie Lu ◽  
Xin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Public Affairs ◽  
Interpersonal Interaction ◽  
Moral Issues ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Unfamiliar Faces

Abstract To promote successful aging, social engagement has been encouraged among older adults. Yet, thus far, research on older adults’ social engagement have been preoccupied with the close and intimate relationships between older adults and their families, friends, or caretakers. Little attention is being paid to how older adults may engage in peripheral social networks, civic activities, or public affairs. This symposium features four presentations that investigate older adults’ social engagement in these contexts. First, with the focus on interpersonal interaction with strangers, Yi Lu and colleagues examine the age differences in trustworthiness perception of unfamiliar faces. The second and third presentations focus on moral and political contexts. Minjie Lu will present the divergent impacts of age on the cognitive evaluations and emotional responses towards moral issues. Wong and Fung analyze older adults’ engagements in political discussions and actions and the factors that may promote these engagements. Last but not least, Nicole Fung and colleagues will present findings that generativity among older adults can promote sense of meanings and death acceptance, demonstrating the beneficial effects of social engagement in old age. Finally, Zhang will provide closing discussions about the implications and future directions of these presentations.

How Do Older Adults Define Successful Aging? A Scoping Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 599-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbra Teater ◽  
Jill M. Chonody
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Good Death ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
And Behaviors

Successful aging is a prominent theory that describes the aging process and the expected activities and behaviors older adults should engage in or exhibit to age successfully. Although this theory is used to gauge the extent to which older adults are aging successfully, older adults’ experiences and perspectives of what successful aging means to them are missing from the theory. A five-step scoping review framework was used to explore and synthesize the existing research that investigated older adults’ perspectives on successful aging. Twelve main themes were found and ranged from the importance of social relationships and interactions to having a good death. Findings indicated older adults do not define successful aging as strictly as is found in the literature. Old age and the aging process from the views of older adults provide future directions for theory development and research.

scholarly journals Effects of subjective successful aging on emotional and coping responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dannii Y. Yeung ◽  
Edwin K. H. Chung ◽  
Alfred H. K. Lam ◽  
Alvin K. K. Ho
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Development ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Coping Responses ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Longitudinal Effects ◽  
Development And Aging ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Background Middle-aged and older adults are more vulnerable to hospitalization and mortality if they are infected with the COVID-19 virus. The present study investigates the longitudinal effects of subjective successful aging on middle-aged and older adults’ emotional and coping responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and explores an underlying mechanism through perceived time limitation during the pandemic. Methods A sample of 311 Hong Kong Chinese middle-aged and older adults (Mage = 64.58, SD = 10.14, Range = 45–90 years) were recruited from an Adult Development and Aging Project and participated in a questionnaire study via an online platform or phone interview. Their levels of subjective successful aging, perceived time limitation, and emotional and coping responses to the pandemic were measured. Results The respondents who perceived themselves as more successful in aging process reported more positive and fewer negative emotions compared with their counterparts with lower levels of subjective successful aging. The mediation analysis showed that perceived time limitation could partially account for the effects of subjective successful aging on emotional and coping responses. Conclusions Findings of this study unveil the beneficial effects of subjective views of successful aging on emotional and coping responses to the pandemic through alleviating their perception of time limitation.

scholarly journals UNIMAGINED FUTURES: THE PARADOX OF FAMILISM AND ELDERCARE AMONG AGING LATINOS IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S715-S715
Author(s):  
Melissa Howe ◽  
Alexis Howard ◽  
Wendy Hsieh ◽  
Lissette M Piedra
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Nativity Status ◽  
North Americans ◽  
Physical Independence ◽  
Latino Older Adults

Abstract Scholars of gerontology highlight the ways aging varies cross-culturally. Whereas North Americans tend to describe “successful aging” as the maintenance of social and physical independence, Latin Americans tend to view aging as a natural process of social transition. In this study, we conducted a content analysis of nine focus groups (N =101) and 20 interviews with Latino older adults in the Chicagoland area to examine how they characterize successful aging and view the health declines that accompany aging. We found that Latino older adults often used rhetoric associated with “successful aging,” which tended to emphasize the maintenance of independence and physical functioning. Even immigrant respondents employed this language, suggesting that descriptions of “good old age,” may be more culturally transferable than previously thought. At the same time, the cultural values of respeto and familismo also emerged. Regardless of the participant’s nativity status, centrality of family and the importance of respect represented constant sources of support. Still, adherence to these values came with considerable drawbacks for those intensely focused on self-sacrifice for the sake of their families. Taken together, “successful old age” was defined by the participants as one in which a person maintains physical independence in the context of an interdependent, kin-focused, social life. This paradoxical combination of valuing independence and familial interdependence produced a number of benefits and challenges for Latino adults as they transitioned into to older adulthood.

‘Do it Forever’: Discursive representations of older adults and sexualities in vacation marketing

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-276
Author(s):  
Bodil Stilling Blichfeldt ◽  
Karina M Smed
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Sexual Identities ◽  
Counter Narratives ◽  
Relevant Case ◽  
Promotional Video ◽  
Discursive Representations

In advertising, sex has been ascribed a major role, but mostly in a one-dimensional, uniform, and ageist manner framing sexuality as the privilege of younger people. This has traditionally strengthened stereotyping discourses of older adults as ‘asexual’. However, in recent years, counter narratives emphasizing sex as an integral part of active, healthy, and successful aging have gained momentum. Using the promotional video ‘Do it Forever’ as a relevant case, this article analyzes representations of older adults’ sexualities in vacation marketing and points to how advertising is not ‘innocent’, but discursively positions older adults’ sexualities within an antiaging culture which positions older adults as ‘sexy olders’ in sharp opposition to the discourse of ‘asexsual old age’, potentially leaving older adults with little room to construct (a)sexual identities in-between the two strong and oppositional discourses.

scholarly journals Effects of Subjective Successful Aging on Emotional and Coping Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dannii Yeung ◽  
Edwin Chung ◽  
Alfred Lam ◽  
Alvin Ho
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Development ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Coping Responses ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Longitudinal Effects ◽  
Development And Aging ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Background: Middle-aged and older adults are more vulnerable to hospitalization and mortality if they are infected with the COVID-19 virus. The present study investigates the longitudinal effects of subjective successful aging on middle-aged and older adults’ emotional and coping responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and explores an underlying mechanism through perceived time limitation during the pandemic. Methods: A sample of 311 Hong Kong Chinese middle-aged and older adults (Mage=64.58, SD=10.14, Range=45–90 years) were recruited from an Adult Development and Aging Project and participated in a questionnaire study via an online platform or phone interview. Their levels of subjective successful aging, perceived time limitation, and emotional and coping responses to the pandemic were measured.Results: The respondents who perceived themselves as more successful in aging process reported more positive and fewer negative emotions compared with their counterparts with lower levels of subjective successful aging. The mediation analysis showed that perceived time limitation could partially account for the effects of subjective successful aging on emotional and coping responses. Conclusions: Findings of this study unveil the beneficial effects of subjective views of successful aging on emotional and coping responses to the pandemic through alleviating their perception of time limitation.

scholarly journals RESILIENT AGING ROUNDTABLE: AN EVALUATION OF A BRIEF COMMUNITY PSYCHOEDUCATION DISCUSSION GROUP

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S721-S722
Author(s):  
Andrea June ◽  
Meghan Marty
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Discussion Group ◽  
Clinical Psychologist ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Creating Meaning ◽  
Post Assessment

Abstract Increased aging resilience levels are associated with many positive outcomes for older adults including improved quality of life, increased coping and adaptation, and decreased depressive symptoms (Earvolino-Ramirez, 2007; Fullen & Gorby, 2016; Hicks & Conner, 2014; (Sharpley, Bitsika, Wootten, & Christie, 2014). However, very few resilience promotion programs are described in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a brief, community-based psychoeducation group designed to enhance aging resilience. Participants were recruited through a private mental health practice focused on serving older adults in the Pacific Northwest. Nine participants (M age = 71; 78% female, 100% non-Hispanic white; 100% with some college) completed the pre- and post-assessment measures: An adapted 9 item version of the Communicative Ecology Model of Successful Aging (CEMSA; Fowler, Gasiorek, & Giles, 2015) and the Groningen Ageing Resilience Inventory (GARI; van Abbema et al., 2015). The discussion group consisted of six 90-minute meetings every-other-week, facilitated by a licensed clinical psychologist. Each meeting focused on a different topic related to psycho-social aspects of aging and included understanding ageism, embracing change, creating meaning, normal and “successful” aging, and strengthening social ties. Although not statistically significant, initial results showed lower post-assessment mean scores on the CEMSA indicating lower levels of aging uncertainty, negative attributions, and pessimism as well as higher post-assessment mean scores on the GARI indicating higher perceived resilience. Moreover, 77.7 % of the group agreed or strongly agreed that they had learned a lot from the group. Future directions will be discussed.

scholarly journals Education as A Moderator in the Effect of Successful Aging on Mortality Risk in Different Genders of Elderly Chinese: a National Longitudinal Study (2011-2016)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peiya Cao ◽  
Huiqiang Luo ◽  
Jijie Li ◽  
Xiaohui Ren
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Cognitive Function ◽  
Lower Education ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Plenty of evidence has found that successful aging and its components were significantly associated with older adults’ health, their achievement has a positive effect on reducing mortality rates. However, it is unclear whether education could modify the effect of successful aging on morality risk. Numerous literatures from worldwide were cross-sectional and previous studies on the association between successful aging and mortality in China were quite few. Methods Using four waves (2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016) of a large nationally representative survey in China derived from CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) with 4,824 older adults aged 60 and older, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of successful aging and each of its components on mortality risk of different gender of older adults in China, we further discussed whether education was a moderator in this effect and investigated differences in results among males and females. Successful aging was measured by absence of major diseases, freedom from disability, high cognitive function, no depressive symptoms, and active social engagement in life. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate the education's moderate effect on the relationship between successful aging and mortality after controlling a rich set of covariates that included demographics, socioeconomic status, and health behaviors.Results We found that 15.18% (n=367) for males and 15.74% (n=379) for females were defined as successful aging and the mortality were 2.61% (n=63) for males and 3.45% (n=83) for females during the survey. The overall prevalence of successful aging in both genders were12.5% (n=603) and the overall mortality rate was 3.03% (n=146).It is the first longitudinal study using national cohort data to research the educational effects on the association between mortality and successful aging, our study showed that the effect only existed in females aged 65-74 years old group with lower education.Conclusions Education has the significant effect on the relationship between successful aging and mortality. Physical health is significantly associated with the achieving of successful aging among young older. More measures should be paid on improving mental health among the young female older with lower education to achieve successful aging and to against mortality and live longevity.

scholarly journals Aging and Personhood in the Landscape of the Mega-Casino: Retirement at the Tables

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-76
Author(s):  
Joy Ciofi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Productive Aging ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Us History ◽  
Cognitive Activities ◽  
Diverse Setting ◽  
The Many

The retirement of the Boomer generation constitutes the largest wave of retirements in US history. This article examines the ways in which mega-casinos as institutions have become new spaces of aging and important sites where the ideals of retirement can be played out. Based on thirty-two months of fieldwork at two of the US’s largest casinos, I argue that these facilities help older adults maintain their personhood by engaging them socially, mentally, and physically through the myriad services and amenities they offer. Dominating narratives informed by Western economic and medical trends call for ‘active aging,’ ‘productive aging,’ or ‘aging gracefully,’ and these related paradigms emphasize social engagement along with physical and cognitive activities as the keys to thriving in old age. The casino environment simultaneously challenges and facilitates these narratives, providing an age-diverse setting in which seniors can exercise, entertain family, acquire gifts, and earn status. Drawing on David Graeber’s (2001) framework for theorizing value, I assert that it is participation in the many activities of the casino, rather than the monetary wins and losses, that has constituted them as valuable places to sustain personhood and achieve the ideals of an ‘active’ or ‘successful’ retirement.

scholarly journals College students’ in Jamaica opinion about older adults and their role as future caregivers: Case Example

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 757-757
Author(s):  
Sharon McKenzie ◽  
Sandra Latibeaudiere
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Negative Image

Abstract Ageing is a natural human experience, yet for many people getting old provoke fears of vulnerability, fragility, undesirability, and incapacity. Such perceptions are often attributed to various taboos, prejudices, discrimination and stereotype associated with old age. The purpose of this study was to assess college students’ in Jamaica opinion about older adults and their role as future caregivers. Specifically, the study sought to: (1) identify whether college students hold ageist stereotype/negative image about older adults and whether they influence future role as caregiver, 2) assess their knowledge of the chronic conditions that affect older adults, and 3) assess whether they see themselves working or taking an active role in future caregiving. As we think about the future directions of healthcare provision for older adults, this small sample of college students provided a discourse about ageing and key elements that are important for educators in a developing country such as Jamaica to consider when building a gerontology curriculum.

scholarly journals THE COURAGE TO EMBRACE OLD AGE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S408-S408
Author(s):  
Jim Vandenbosch
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Television Programs ◽  
Older Adulthood ◽  
Cultural Perception ◽  
Popular Films ◽  
The Common

Abstract Most popular films and television programs reflect, and thereby reinforce, the common and entrenched cultural perception of aging as the “enemy” of vital living. Aging used to be kept at bay in popular films and TV programs through a stereotyping that allowed ridicule and avoidance. Today, such overt negative portrayals have begun to fall out of favor but are being replaced by a subtler form of ageism—that of “super-aging” where older adults who are seen as successfully holding onto their youthful ways are celebrated and held up as models of “successful” aging. This presentation will give an overview of how most popular films and television programs frame the experience of older adulthood, and will illustrate this with clips from such films. Then, in contrast, clips will be presented from films that present a more holistic and balanced view of elderhood.

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